Method for producing at least one abrasive unit

ABSTRACT

A method for producing at least one abrasive unit that has at least two abrasive bodies connected at least partially to each other via at least one perforation includes trimming at least one edge of the abrasive unit with at least one laser cutting method. The edge of the abrasive unit is at least partially formed by the laser cutting method so as to have at least one curvature.

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to patent application no. DE 10 2012 219 801.6, filed on Oct. 30, 2012 in Germany, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Methods for producing an abrasive unit have already been proposed.

SUMMARY

The disclosure is based on a method for producing at least one abrasive unit that comprises at least two abrasive bodies connected to each other, at least partially, via at least one perforation, comprising at least one method step that is provided, at least partially, for trimming at least one edge of the abrasive unit and that comprises at least one laser cutting method.

It is proposed that the edge of the abrasive unit be produced, at least substantially, at least partially, by the laser cutting method so as to have at least one curvature. An “abrasive unit” in this context is to be understood to mean, in particular, a unit provided, at least partially, for performing work on a workpiece, in particular a surface of the workpiece, in particular with removal of material by abrasion. Preferably, for this purpose, the abrasive unit has a geometrically indeterminate cutting and/or abrasion region. “Provided” is to be understood to mean, in particular, specially designed, configured and/or equipped. An “abrasive body” in this context is to be understood to mean, in particular, a part of the abrasive unit provided, when in an operating state, to be coupled, in particular, to a hand-held power tool. A “perforation” in this context is to be understood to mean, in particular, a defined rupture point. In a particularly preferred exemplary embodiment, the abrasive unit comprises, in particular, at least five, preferably at least ten, and particularly preferably at least twelve abrasive bodies that are connected to each other, in particular, via at least one perforation. The abrasive bodies of the abrasive unit are preferably disposed so as to adjoin each other in the manner of a string of pearls. Preferably, the abrasive unit has a side ratio of, in particular, at least 2:1, preferably at least 5:1, preferably at least 10:1, and particularly preferably at least 12:1.

“Trim” in this context is to be understood to mean, in particular, at least one operation for adapting a contour and/or for altering a shape of the abrasive unit. An “edge” in this context is to be understood to mean, in particular, a periphery, preferably a geometrically defined periphery, of the abrasive unit. A “curvature” in this context is to be understood to mean, in particular, a macroscopic, continuous change of direction and/or a portional change of direction, wherein at least two successive portions enclose an obtuse angle and, in particular, are realized so as to be, in particular, less than 2 cm, preferably less than 1 cm, preferably less than 5 mm and particularly preferably less than 2 mm Preferably, in particular, at least 50%, preferably at least 75%, preferably at least 80%, and particularly preferably at least 90% of the edge has a curvature. “Macroscopic” in this context is to be understood to mean, in particular, discernible without optical aids and/or with the naked eye.

The design according to the disclosure makes it possible to achieve a particularly preferred design of the abrasive unit in an advantageously simple and preferably inexpensive manner. In particular, in comparison with trimming of the edge by means of an already known rotary cutting method, the use of the laser cutting method for trimming the at least one edge of the abrasive unit makes it possible to reliably prevent grain break-off at the at least one edge of the abrasive unit, as well as severe abrasive wear, in particular on a tool of a device for producing the abrasive unit.

It is additionally proposed that the production method comprise at least one further method step, in which the abrasive unit is at least partially rolled up. Preferably, the abrasive unit is rolled up, in particular, along a direction of main extent. An advantageously compact design of the abrasive unit can be achieved as a result.

It is furthermore proposed that the production method comprise at least one further method step, in which the abrasive unit is at least partially folded. Preferably, the abrasive unit is folded about an axis that extends perpendicularly in relation to the direction of main extent and parallelwise in relation to surface of main extent of the abrasive unit. An advantageously compact design of the abrasive unit can be achieved as a result.

It is additionally proposed that the production method comprise at least one further method step, in which at least one functional element is realized in the abrasive unit. A “functional element” in this context is to be understood to mean, in particular, an element that, at least in one operating state, performs a function that is essential for use of the abrasive unit. The functional element can preferably be realized, at least partially, as a suction-extraction element, in particular as a suction-extraction opening, as an information element and/or as another element considered appropriate by persons skilled in the art. A preferably high degree of operating comfort and an advantageously high quality of working can be achieved as a result.

It is additionally proposed that the at least one further method step comprise at least one laser cutting method. It is thereby possible, in an advantageously simple and inexpensive manner, to achieve a preferably short machining time in the production method and an advantageously precise realization of the at least one functional element.

The disclosure is furthermore based on an abrasive unit that comprises at least two abrasive bodies (24, 124) connected to each other, at least partially, via at least one perforation (26, 126), and that is produced, at least partially, according to the production method. An “abrasive body” in this context is to be understood to mean, in particular, a part of the abrasive unit provided, when in an operating state, to be coupled, in particular, to a hand-held power tool. A “perforation” in this context is to be understood to mean, in particular, a defined rupture point. A preferably high degree of operating comfort and a structurally simple and advantageously inexpensive design of the abrasive unit can be achieved as a result.

It is additionally proposed that the abrasive unit comprise at least one functional element realized, at least partially, in at least one abrasive body. A “functional element” in this context is to be understood to mean, in particular, an element that, at least in one operating state, performs a function that is essential for use of the abrasive unit. The functional element can preferably be realized, at least partially, as a suction-extraction element, in particular as a suction-extraction opening, as an information element and/or as another element considered appropriate by persons skilled in the art. A preferably high degree of operating comfort and an advantageously high quality of working can be achieved as a result.

It is additionally proposed that the at least one functional element comprise a suction-extraction opening, at least partially. A “suction-extraction opening” in this context is to be understood to mean, in particular, an opening that extends at least partially, preferably completely, through the abrasive unit, in particular at least partially, preferably completely, through the abrasive body of the abrasive unit, and that is provided, at least partially, to direct away out of the working region of the abrasive body, in particular, dust produced in a working region of the abrasive body when in a working state. As a result, an advantageously good working result can be achieved in an advantageously simple manner.

The production method in this case is not intended to be limited to the application and embodiment described above. In particular, the transmission unit according to the disclosure, for the purpose of implementing a mode of operation described herein, may have a number of individual elements, components and units that differs from a number stated herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further advantages are given by the following description of the drawings. The drawings show two exemplary embodiments of the disclosure. The drawings, the description and the claims contain numerous features in combination. Persons skilled in the art will also expediently consider the features individually and combine them to create appropriate further combinations.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 shows an abrasive unit according to the disclosure, in a perspective representation,

FIG. 2 shows an alternatively designed abrasive unit, in a perspective representation, and

FIG. 3 shows a method according to the disclosure for producing the abrasive unit according to the disclosure, in a schematic representation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows an abrasive unit 10, which comprises a plurality of abrasive bodies 24. The abrasive bodies 24 are in each case connected to each other via a perforation 26. The abrasive bodies 24 are disposed successively and so as to adjoin each other, as viewed parallelwise in relation to a surface of main extent of the abrasive bodies 24 and perpendicularly in relation to a direction of main extent 30 of the perforation 26. An operator can separate one of the abrasive bodies 24 from the adjoining abrasive body 24 of the abrasive unit 10 by tearing, along the perforation 26. The separated abrasive body 24 can then be connected to an abrasive-body receiver of a hand-held power tool, not represented. The hand-held power tool is constituted by an orbital sander. Other designs of the hand-held power tool, considered appropriate by persons skilled in the art, are also conceivable.

The abrasive unit 10, in one region, has an edge 14 that has a curvature. The abrasive bodies 24 of the abrasive unit 10 each comprise two edges 14, which are disposed opposite each other and curved. The curvatures of the oppositely disposed edges 14 of one of the abrasive bodies 24 are disposed in a mirror-inverted manner. The edge 14 in each case constitutes a semicircular contour. The abrasive bodies 24 have a circular contour. A perforation 26 is disposed in each case between the oppositely disposed edges 14 of one of the abrasive bodies 24. The perforation 26 is straight, and does not have a curvature. The perforation 26 has an extent that is between 10% and 20% of a greatest extent of the abrasive body 24.

The abrasive unit 10 comprises a functional element 22, which is realized in the abrasive bodies 24 in each case. A plurality of functional elements 22 are realized in each of the abrasive bodies 24 of the abrasive unit 10. The functional element 22 comprises a suction-extraction opening 28. Alternatively or additionally, however, other designs and functions of the functional elements 22, considered appropriate by persons skilled in the art, are also conceivable. The abrasive bodies 24 comprise a basic body 32, an abrasive layer 34, and a fastening region that is not represented in greater detail. The basic body 32 is composed of paper. It is also conceivable, however, for the basic body 32 to comprise other materials, considered appropriate by persons skilled in the art, such as, for example, at least one textile fabric, at least one vulcanized fiber and/or at least one film. The abrasive layer 34 comprises a binder, and abrasive grains that are fixedly connected to the basic body 32 by means of the binder. The binder of the abrasive layer 34 is connected to the basic body 32 in a materially bonded manner. The abrasive layer 34 extends over an entire surface of main extent of the basic body 32. The fastening region is provided for fastening the abrasive body 24 to the abrasive-body receiver of the hand-held power tool. The fastening region is provided for separably fastening the abrasive body 24 to the abrasive-body receiver of the hand-held power tool. The fastening region is provided for fastening the abrasive body 24 to the abrasive-body receiver of the hand-held power tool in a form-fitting and/or force-fitting manner. The fastening region comprises a hook-and-loop element. Also conceivable, however, are other designs of the fastening region, considered appropriate by persons skilled in the art, such as, for example, having an adhesive layer. The fastening region, as viewed in the direction of a normal to the surface of main extent of the abrasive body 24, is disposed on a side of the basic body 32 that is opposite the abrasive layer 34. The fastening region extends over an entire surface of main extent of the basic body 32.

The abrasive unit 10 is produced by means of a production method. The method of producing the abrasive unit 10 comprises a method step 38, in which a basic material is supplied to a device, not represented, for executing the production method, and is rolled up. The basic material comprises the basic body 32, the abrasive layer 34 and the fastening region of the abrasive bodies 24, and has straight edges. The basic material is supplied in a rolled-up state to the device. The method for producing the abrasive unit 10 comprises a further method step 12, which is provided for trimming the edge 14. The method step 12 comprises a laser cutting method. The method for producing the abrasive unit 10 comprises a further method step 40, in which the perforation 26 is realized in the abrasive unit 10. The method step 40 can be combined with the method step 12 for trimming the edges 14. The method for producing the abrasive unit 10 comprises a further method step 20, in which the functional elements 22 are realized in the abrasive bodies 24 of the abrasive unit 10. The method step 20 comprises a laser cutting method. The method step 20 can be combined with the method step 12 for trimming the edges 14 and/or with the method step 40 for realizing the perforation 26. The method for producing the abrasive unit 10 comprises a further method step 16, in which the abrasive unit 10 is rolled up. When in the rolled-up state, the abrasive unit 10 is ready for sale and/or use. The method steps 12, 16, 20, 38, 40 can also be performed in another sequence, considered appropriate by persons skilled in the art. Moreover, further method steps, considered appropriate by persons skilled in the art, can be added and/or described method steps 12, 16, 20, 38, 40 can be omitted.

A further exemplary embodiment of the disclosure is shown in FIG. 2. The following descriptions and the drawing are limited substantially to the differences between the exemplary embodiments and, in principle, reference may be made to the drawing and/or the description of the other exemplary embodiments, in particular to FIG. 1, in respect of components having the same designation, in particular in respect of components having the same reference numerals. In order to differentiate the exemplary embodiments, the number 1 has been prefixed to the relevant reference numerals of the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 2.

Represented in FIG. 2 is an abrasive unit 110, which comprises a plurality of abrasive bodies 124 that are connected to each other via a perforation 126. When the abrasive unit 110 is in a flat, folded state, the abrasive bodies 124 are disposed successively and so as to adjoin each other, as viewed parallelwise in relation to a surface of main extent of the abrasive bodies 124 and perpendicularly in relation to a direction of main extent 130 of the perforation 126. An operator can separate one of the abrasive bodies 124 from the adjoining abrasive body 124 of the abrasive unit 110 by tearing, along the perforation 126. The perforation 126 has an extent that is between 10% and 50% of a greatest extent of the abrasive body 124. The abrasive unit 110, in one region, has an edge 114 that has a curvature. The abrasive bodies 124 of the abrasive unit 110 have rounded corners, which are each constituted by the curved edges 114. The perforation 126 is straight, and does not have a curvature.

The abrasive bodies 124 comprise a basic body 132, an abrasive layer 134 and a fastening region 136. The basic body 132 is composed of paper. It is also conceivable, however, for the basic body 132 to comprise other materials, considered appropriate by persons skilled in the art, such as, for example, at least one textile fabric, at least one vulcanized fiber and/or at least one film. The abrasive layer 134 comprises a binder, and abrasive grains that are fixedly connected to the basic body 132 by means of the binder. The binder of the abrasive layer 134 is connected to the basic body 132 in a materially bonded manner. The abrasive layer 134 extends over an entire surface of main extent of the basic body 132. The fastening region 136 is provided for fastening the abrasive body 124 to the abrasive-body receiver of the hand-held power tool. The fastening region 136 is provided for separably fastening the abrasive body 124 to the abrasive-body receiver of the hand-held power tool. The fastening region 136 is provided for fastening the abrasive body 124 to the abrasive-body receiver of the hand-held power tool in a form-fitting and/or force-fitting manner. The fastening region 136 comprises a hook-and-loop element. Also conceivable, however, are other designs of the fastening region 136, considered appropriate by persons skilled in the art, such as, for example, having an adhesive layer. The fastening region 136, as viewed in the direction of a normal to the surface of main extent of the abrasive body 124, is disposed on a side of the basic body 132 that is opposite the abrasive layer 134. The fastening region extends 136 over an entire surface of main extent of the basic body 132.

The abrasive unit 110 is produced by means of a production method. The method of producing the abrasive unit 110 comprises a method step 138, in which a basic material is supplied to a device for executing the production method, and is rolled up. The basic material comprises the basic body 132, the abrasive layer 134 and the fastening region 136 of the abrasive bodies 124, and has straight edges. The basic material is supplied in a rolled-up state to the device. The method for producing the abrasive unit 110 comprises a further method step 112, which is provided for trimming the edge 114. The method step 112 comprises a laser cutting method. The method for producing the abrasive unit 110 comprises a further method step 140, in which the perforation 126 is realized in the abrasive unit 110. The method step 140 can be combined with the method step 112 for trimming the edges 114. The method for producing the abrasive unit 110 comprises a further method step 118, in which the abrasive unit 110 is folded. When in the folded state, the abrasive unit 110 is ready for sale and/or use. The method steps 112, 118, 138, 140 can also be performed in another sequence, considered appropriate by persons skilled in the art. Moreover, further method steps, considered appropriate by persons skilled in the art, can be added and/or described method steps 112, 118, 138, 140 can be omitted. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for producing at least one abrasive unit having at least two abrasive bodies connected at least partially to each other via at least one perforation, comprising: trimming at least one edge of the abrasive unit with at least one laser cutting method, wherein the edge of the abrasive unit is at least partially formed by the laser cutting method so as to have at least one curvature.
 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the abrasive unit is at least partially rolled up.
 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the abrasive unit is at least partially folded.
 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein at least one functional element is formed in the abrasive unit.
 5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the at least one functional element is formed with at least one laser cutting method.
 6. An abrasive unit, comprising: at least two abrasive bodies connected at least partially to each other via at least one perforation, the abrasive unit being formed by a method including: trimming at least one edge of the abrasive unit with at least one laser cutting method, wherein the edge of the abrasive unit is at least partially formed by the laser cutting method so as to have at least one curvature.
 7. The abrasive unit according to claim 6, wherein at least one functional element is formed at least partially in at least one of the abrasive bodies.
 8. The abrasive unit according to claim 7, wherein the at least one functional element at least partially comprises a suction-extraction opening.
 9. A device for producing an abrasive unit having at least two abrasive bodies connected at least partially to each other via at least one perforation, the device producing the abrasive unit by a method including: trimming at least one edge of the abrasive unit with at least one laser cutting method, wherein the edge of the abrasive unit is at least partially formed by the laser cutting method so as to have at least one curvature. 